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Word of Faith or Word Changers Continued Question
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Dec 2, 2005 9:33 pm
1057 Views
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If you and three of your very best friends were standing outside of a mall, and a perfect stranger walked up to the four of you. Pulled out a gun, and shot you and you died............. What was the cause of your death ?
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Word of Faith or Word Changers Continued
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Dec 1, 2005 9:05 am
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Saying, "Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm"
This verse is used not only by the WOF teachers; but also by followers of the WOF movement; to silence the mouths of the critics of the WOF teachers. But this verse has about as much to do with the false teachers of the WOF movement; as the 28th chapter of Dt. ( where the curses and blessings are listed ) has to do with the Christian church. Many of them will refer to Dt. the 28th chapter and apply it to Christians today and teach us we can be cursed. Once again I'll stress the importance of studying scripture in light of its historical context.
The text in question is found in the 16th chapter of the book of 1 Chronicles ( v. 22 ), which is one of the historical books giving us the events of those days. From verses 7-36 we have a song of David blessing and thanking the Lord for the magnificent things He had done for the people of Israel. The anointed ones, and prophets which David is referring to; are also named by David.
" Remember His covenant forever, The word which he commanded, for a thousand generations,
The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel for an everlasting covenant, "
This text is referring to the way in which the Lord protected His people Israel from being harmed by the pagan nations which they were confronted by in this postexilic period. Not to any of the WOF teachers.
TO BE CONTINUED
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Word of Faith or Word Changers
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Nov 29, 2005 7:48 pm
1187 Views
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What is the Word of Faith Movement ? Where did it come from, and where is it going ? The Word of Faith movement had its emergence within the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement in the later part of the 20th century. Usually Kenneth Hagin is credited with starting the Word of Faith movement; but actually it had its beginnings with a man by the name of Phineas Parkhurst Quimby ( 1802-1866 ). He felt that all disease started in the mind, and he held that God or Wisdom constituted all reality; and considered matter an illusion or manifestation of God. Quimby's philosophy laid the foundation of Christian Science ( not to be confused with Scientology ); which was later lead by Mary Baker Eddy.
Another man who was influenced by Quimby was E.W. Kenyon who's teachings inspired Kenneth Hagan, and most other WOF teachers draw their inspiration from Kenneth Hagan. So, he has been called the " father " of the WOF movement. There is no hierarchy within the WOF movement; even though there are a number of high profile teachers. Being a strange mix of orthodox Christianity and mysticism; it has become extremely attractive to those searching for health, wealth ( Gospel according to the flesh ). Historical Christian doctrines are not necessarily considered true in WOF. So, its not unusual for WOF teachers to teach anything, from heretical to downright ridiculous, and I do mean ridiculous. For example, one of them said that Adam could fly.
WOF teachers are notorious for changing the meaning of scripture to suite their own theological systems. Not only do they contradict the Bible; they contradict each other. Although WOF teachers don't always agree on everything they teach, they all have these two things in common...........The "Force" of Faith, and "revelation knowledge".........This revelation knowledge supersedes scripture and is suppose to come directly from God Himself ( Gnosticism ). This gives the WOF teachers an inside tract to God, that the ordinary pastor doesn't have. Those who follow these WOF teachers lack discernment, and are told that questioning these false teachers is synonymous with " Touching God's Anointed "
But is it ?
TO BE CONTINUED
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Sinless Perfection ? Continued
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Nov 28, 2005 6:21 pm
1056 Views
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When the Lord first saved me I joined a holiness church, where I was taught the idea of sinless perfection. You are taught what is called the second blessing experience. Which means you become saved at one point, and at a later point; you receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost, with evidence of speaking in tongues. This then leads you to be able to live a sinless life. Being a new Christian I believed it for a short time, until the Lord showed me otherwise. One of the problems of believing this notion, is how do you explain the doctrine of Propitiation ( or Atonement ).
Propitiation in the context of Christianity has God in Christ satisfying His own justice; or placating His wrath. Christ then is seen as taking the place of wicked men in order to satisfy God's justice. Christ being the sinless Son of God, and Lawgiver suffered the penalty of the broken law. He is the only one ever to satisfy Gods wrath. Jesus did not simply come to give us a second chance or show himself as a moral example to follow. If He did; He set an impossible example to follow. No, he paid a debt which we could never pay. We cannot propitiate God for ourselves, and in order to do so we would have to be on a par with Christ ( the sinless Son of God ). Christ has indeed saved us from the power and penalty of sin.
" whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith." Rom. 3:25
" Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." Heb.2:17
Anyone who doesn't understand this truth; will believe that they can attain sinless perfection, and please God with their own flesh. Their are some members of Big church who believe that very thing, and their Blogs reflect it.
TO BE CONTINUED
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Galations 3:10 Continued = With Answers
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Nov 28, 2005 3:04 pm
Mood: calm,
1053 Views
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Its been a while since I addressed this topic, And I've given more than enough time for members to answer the questions. So now I'm going to give the correct answers.
The answers are as follows:
1. James 1:25 is the perfect law....of liberty.
2. James 2:8 is the royal law.
3. James 2:12 is the law of liberty again.
4. James 2:11 and 4:11 are addressing the moral law
5. James 1:25, 2:8, 2:12 are not addressing the moral law.
Here's the problem........ if you understand James 1:25, 2:8 and 2:12 to be addressing the Ten Commandments you'll create a fierce contradiction between Paul and James.
Just taking a closer look at the text will reveal this truth.
James 1:25 says"But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer this man shall be blessed in what he does."
In the verses preceding James says:
vv22-24
" but prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was."
It should be noticed that the " word" of verses 22 and 23 becomes the perfect law of liberty in verse 25. This contrast is simple and deals with the issue of self deceit. James shows us that the Christian who looks into the word and continues to do so, maintaining the perception shaped by the word. Not forgetting what he has heard; but does it is proven genuine.
This would mean that the terms which James is using i.e., the the perfect law of liberty and the royal must be seen as a comprehensive term; referring to scripture as a whole ( see Ps. 19 : 7-9 ). Anyone who insists that James is referring to the Ten Commandments ( in 1:25 ) hasn't come to a proper understanding of what scripture teaches elsewhere about the moral law.
This is made especially clear in the second chapter, in verses 8,9 where he says " If you really keep the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself." you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers."
In verse 8 James is quoting from Lev. 19:18 and in verse 9 he makes an inference to Dt. 1:17; neither of which is one of the Ten Commandments. He then draws this analogy; just as a man who keeps the whole law and stumbles at one point; is guilty of breaking it all [ thats why you shouldn't try to keep it ]. So is the person who shows partiality, toward to poor; guilty of not fulfilling the law of Christ, the whole spirit of which is contrary to partiality.
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SPIRITUAL GIFTS CONTINUED
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Nov 22, 2005 9:01 pm
Mood: calm,
1107 Views
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Last time I gave a short intro on spiritual gifts. It seemed to have sparked some interest; especially in the area of how to discover your spiritual gift. Some didn't care for what I said about tongues and I'll be addressing that later. Well, just how do you discover what your gift is ? First, its important not to confuse talents; with spiritual gifts. There is a difference, but sometimes there can be a relationship between the two. In the Old Testament we learn about two men; Bezalel and Oholiab ( Ex. 31:3-5 ) who had been given a natural talent of craftsmanship. But Bezale had also received the spiritual gifts; of wisdom and understanding. We are all born with a natural skill or ability ( talent ) to do something well. It may be an artistic ability, mechanical ability, or athletic ability and so on.
In Proverbs 22:6 where Solomon says:
"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."
He is talking about discovering your child's natural bent (talent), and steering him (or her) in that direction. Often, this verse is used to teach that parents are to instruct their children in the things of God. Yes, parents should also instruct their children in the things of the Lord; and there are plenty of other scriptural references instructing us to do so.
Second, is understanding what a spiritual gift is:
" a capacity for service which is given to every true Christian without exception and which is something each did not possess before he became a Christian."( Ray C. Stedman )
So, what is it that you can do now, extra ordinarily well; that you couldn't do before you became a Christian ? I'm not talking about sign gifts yet. Do you perhaps always find yourself put in a situation (by God) where you're always helping someone in need ? If you do and you really have a passion for helping and can't seem to get enough of helping others. And other people recognize how much you enjoy helping, and may even say to you " you really have a gift for helping others." Then you have 3 signs of what your gift is( 1 Cor. 12:28 ) = helps
You have God always placing you in the situation, you really like being in the situation and have a passion for it; and others recognize the gift in you. That's how I came to recognize my gift of teaching. The Lord was always putting me in a situation where I was teaching...... I really enjoy doing it and others saw how good I am at doing it. Then I would be asked to teach Sunday school or adult Bible studies. So, do you have an idea of what your gift is yet ? I have a second gift which I'll discuss next time.
TO BE CONTINUED
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SPIRITUAL GIFTS
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Nov 18, 2005 8:02 pm
Mood: calm,
1207 Views
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Today there is much debate over what scripture teaches about spiritual gifts. On one hand you have those who believe that the gifts have ceased ( after the completion of scripture ), and on the other hand, you have those who place; undo stress on certain sign gifts. The contention can be of such a nature, as to lead to both sides wrongly judging each other ( more so from the side that stresses speaking in tongues ). I myself disagree with both positions, and can find no scriptural support for the idea that the gifts have ceased, just as well there is no evidence, in scripture for believing; that every Christian is suppose to speak in tongues; as a sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
charisma Indicates a grace gift; sovereignly given by God to His people, according to His will. We don't get to choose our gift. This Greek word appears 17 times in the new testament, and there are two major passages: Rom. 12, and 1 Cor. 12. In both places; Paul explains the individual and communal aspects of the gifts. We are to see ourselves as a body, with each person having a distinct function. No one gift is superior over any other, yet it is more desirable to prophesy than speak in an unknown tongue ( 1 Cor. 14:1-5 ). But most important is love. Even though I don't believe that the gifts have ceased, I know not to believe every spirit ( 1 John 4:1 ).
1. Do you know how to discover what your gift is ?
2. Is it possible to have more than one gift ?
3. Can Satan mimic the gifts, and how could you tell the differents ?
4. Do you believe you have to speak in tongues as proof; that you have received the Holy Spirit ?
TO BE CONTINUED
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Sinless Perfection ?
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Nov 15, 2005 11:42 am
1223 Views
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Have you ever heard or had someone say to you:
" I haven't sinned since I was saved." or " I haven't sinned in ten years." or " I didn't sin this week."
Is it possible to live as a Christian, without sinning ? When was the last time you sinned ( without going into any details ) ? Be honest.
The apostle John wrote his epistle to combat the ascetic form of Gnostic influence which had infiltrated the churches of Asia Minor.
What did the Gnostic's exhibit and believe ?
1. Cosmological dualism; matter was inherently evil and spirit was good.
2. Salvation is escape from the body ( not by faith in Christ ) but special knowledge.
3. Docetism: They denied Christ's true humanity ( He didn't really come in the flesh) or Cerinthianism claimed that the Christ joined the man Jesus at baptism and left Him just before His death.
4.Extremely libertine behavior, while at the same time considering themselves "pearls" who could not be soiled by sin.
It was this backdrop which caused John to write his epistle. In the very first chapter, he reminds us that we walk in the light (truth), for God is light. In Him there is no darkness( falsehood ). He tells us four interesting things about the believer and sin. The two main ideas in this epistle are light and darkness. We as Christians have been called into God's light and cannot return to the darkness.
1. You cannot have fellowship with God and walk in darkness.
2. We have unbroken fellowship with Him because we walk in the light and the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.
3. When we confess( agree with God ) by admitting our sin, He forgives us of all unrighteousness.
4. If we claim we have not sinned we make God a liar and His Word has no place in our lives.
I know someone will question the believers walk in the light, and say that we can get out of fellowship with God. So, I have a question for those who believe that.
What is it exactly we would have to do, to get out of fellowship with God ? To be continued
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WHO SAVES YOU ? PART 2
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Nov 12, 2005 8:00 pm
1173 Views
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Recently I asked the question: Who saves you? I didn't get many replies, and from the few I did get; I think I'll do a short study on Salvation.
Salvation is of the LORD
When Jonah was delivered from the belly of the great fish, he declared; that salvation is of the LORD ( Jonah 2:9 ). God makes this fact clear; for He alone has the power to save ( Isa.45:21 ). Christ declared that He alone is the way to the Father, the one who fulfilled all of the law, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. There is no other way, and no other name given under heaven whereby; men must be saved ( Acts 4:12 ). He ( Christ ) has therefore; supplied all that is necessary for the salvation of those who believe on Him.
" But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from from God - and righteousness and sanctification and redemption - that , as it is written, " He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."
What can you or I add to that ? ....................Nothing!
If Jesus hasn't done it all, there's nothing you or I can do to make up for what He didn't do! So the answer, to how much do you contribute to your salvation is:
Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! In other words; if its you and Jesus; who saves you.......... you are still in your sin and lost. Some of the things that I'll be going over are; the benefits of being saved. What it means to be saved and how we are to live after being saved. You can't do a study on salvation without looking at things like sanctification, baptism, and justification.
To Be Continued
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Tithing is legalistic ! ! continued
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Nov 7, 2005 10:39 am
1327 Views
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I recently posted a new Blog on tithing, and why it has nothing to do with; Christians or the Christian Church. I answered the four questions I had asked:
What was tithed ? ........... Answer; Food.
Who received the tithe ? ........ Answer; The Levitical Priest.
What was the tithe used for ? Answer; To support the Priest.
Where did the tithe have to be taken ? Answer; Jerusalem.
I clearly show that the tithe is part of the law,( and we as Christians have died to the law Rom. 7:4-6). So, why do so many still relate to the law ? It has been said that, " Traditions die hard.", and by some of the responses I've gotten; to my blog on tithing; truer words could not have been spoken.
Traditionally, many well meaning Pastors have taught ( without any real study ), their congregations to give a tithe ( a tenth ) of their income to God. Some Pastors use the tithe as a means to control and manipulate; their congregations, and others are just down right afraid that if they don't make their members pay a tithe; that their members would stop supporting the church (not true ). There is no excuse for these men; who have been ( supposedly) called.......trained ....... Spirit filled; to be teaching, their members they have to tithe.
Jesus had some pretty harsh words for the Pharisees; for putting tradition, above the Word of God ( Mk. 7:1-13 ). If we are serious about serving God, then we must know what His word teaches us about the differences between law and grace. I have another question for those who believe they must tithe.
Can you prove your position without using the law to do it ? Don't think that by simply saying.....Mal. 3 tells me to tithe; that you have proven your point.
OK ........ Bible 101
The details of the Old Testament are given to us in 39 books; which are divided into 5 categories.
They are:
1.The Law Books(also called Pentateuch or Torah) Gen.-Duet. (5)
2. History Books................ Joshua - Ester (12)
3. Wisdom Books.............. Job - Songs of Solomon (5)
4. Major Prophets.............. Isaiah - Daniel (5)
5. Minor prophets............. Hosea - Malachi(12)
Some seem to have a problem recognizing the fact, that the Book of Genesis is included in the Law ( and law is included in Gen). So, I'm going to attempt to clarify the issue. Before the law was given at Mount Sinai, there was what was called oral transmission of God's commands. They were only written, after God gave this historical information through Moses.
So, when God gave commands to certain people(like Adam and Abraham) even though they were not written down, they passed these commands on ( orally ) to their descendants, and their descendants passed them on; to their descendants ......and so on. This is how, for example; Cain and Able knew about the offering ( Gen. 4:3,4 ) which they were to bring to the LORD. Abraham was commanded (directly by God) to be circumcised ( Gen. 17: 9-14 ), he than passed this command on to his descendants( orally ), and all who worshiped the God of Israel, out of obedience to Him; had to receive this sign of the covenant.
It was so serious in fact; that God almost killed Moses for neglecting to circumcise his own son( Exodus 4:24-26 ). Circumcision was the outward sign of what God commanded for His covenant people. He later spoke of a need for an inward circumcision. Now, some 400 years later the law was written down ( at Sinai and became a binding contract )no one could say I never heard of that. Unfortunately, Israel forgot the association between Abraham and circumcision, and only came to associate circumcision with Moses. Much like some members on this site. To be continued
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To link to this blog (godlycook) use [blog godlycook] in your messages.
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